Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Libyan artists turn to black comedy to show youth exploitation A play dubbed “Chocolate Egg” uses black comedy to show the exploitation of young Libyans by officials to lure them into military formations. North Africa
Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives. Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
Honoring Pride week, Tel Aviv recognizes same-sex couples Tel Aviv-Jaffa Mayor Ron Huldai announced that same-sex couples will enjoy similar municipal benefits to those enjoyed by married couples. Israel
Players of Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer club involved in sex scandal When two players of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer club were suspected of sexual relations with minors, club owner Mitchell Goldhar made it clear this was intolerable on all levels. Israel
Saudi Arabia to reopen Mecca mosques as cases surpass 150,000 Saudi health officials confirmed an additional 4,301 cases of the virus Friday, raising the case count to more than 150,000. Saudi Arabia
Sexual threat against HDP leader’s wife backfires as Turks rally around women A threatening tweet against a jailed Kurdish opposition leader’s wife has Turkey up in arms against the patriarchal mindset that threatens women with sexual violence. Turkey
Iraqi protesters set sights on local governors Protesters in Iraq are demanding that provincial governors be sacked and the killers of demonstrators be found and prosecuted. Iraq
Death of activist Sarah Hegazy highlights struggle of Egypt's gay community The death of activist Sarah Hegazy has renewed the debate over gay rights in Egypt amid an ongoing crackdown against the LGBTQI+ community. Egypt
Interview Chief rabbi of Iran: Israel does not represent Judaism In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Rabbi Yehuda Garami, chief rabbi of the Jewish community in Iran, explains about their daily lives and why he paid a condolence visit to the family of assassinated Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Yehuda Garami Chief rabbi of the Jewish community in Iran
Egypt to develop citadel as new hub of Historic Cairo As Egypt gears up to welcome tourists next month, the country’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and Sovereign Wealth Fund signed a contract to develop Cairo’s historical area of Bab al-Azab, where the imposing Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi Citadel is located. Egypt
Egypt arrests prominent journalist after Al Jazeera interview Mohamed Monir, 65, is charged with joining a terrorist group and spreading false news. Egypt
Israel kicks party business off beaches An Israeli court has ruled in favor of protecting Israel’s beaches from commercial use such as keeping tents and other equipment on them. Israel
Amnesty blasts Bahrain, Kuwait for 'highly invasive' COVID-19 tracing apps Amnesty International has warned apps used to trace the movements of possible COVID-19 cases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Norway put the privacy of citizens at risk. Bahrain
Egyptian LGBTQ activist dead in suspected suicide Sarah Hegazi was arrested in 2017 after raising the rainbow gay pride flag at a concert in Cairo. Egypt
